Lake Murray -- all the way around!
Details
You can't walk all the way around Lake Murray, unless you go away from the lake and follow nearby streets and a hillside path most of the way. This is what we plan to do. It's a hike published by the late Jerry Schad in the San Diego Reader on August 19, 2004.
WHAT IF IT RAINS? Forecasts call for rain in the afternoon. However, if that changes, it may be necessary to cancel the hike (or postpone it to the following week). Check the comments section on this page for last-minute instructions.
We'll meet at 9:00 AM and step off at 9:15 AM from the Lake Murray Concession Stand (N 32 47.100 W 117 2.50).
Then we'll go around the lake on the paved road, like everybody else. But we'll leave the lake at Lake Murray Community Park and head off-pavement and uphill to a little-known path along the hillside with great views of Lake Murray and everything else. See the photograph above. We'll pause there for snacking.
Finally, we'll follow the streets below the dam, passing through a small park and next to an open space preserve, returning to Lake Murray via the Kiowa Drive entrance. The total distance is about 6.4 miles.
Leashed dogs are allowed.
SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go east on I-8 and exit at exit 11 (70th Street, Lake Murray Bl). Go north on Lake Murray Blvd. and turn left at the top of the hill into Kiowa Dr. Follow the access road all the way to the large parking area near the concession stand, boat launch ramp and rest rooms.
The nominal starting time is 9:00 AM. I will be at the parking area by 8:30, and at 9:15 we will hit the trail. We should return to the parking area between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM.
Call 858-675-8706 for the latest weather information or check your favorite weather page on the Internet. (I like http://www.weather.com .) Wear good hiking shoes (for the hillside trail) and suitable clothing and take water and sun protection. Take a camera if you wish. Call or send E-mail if you have questions.
CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky cell: 619-866-8512 e-mail: pje@efgh.com Cell phone service is available in this area, although there may be some dead spots.